Page 123 of When Fences Fall
He laughs, a full, rich sound that makes me want to stay in the truck with him all day. “You really are a witch. Taming the beast. All of them.”
“I have my ways,” I say with a wink, leaning over to kiss him quickly before sliding out of the truck. “See you later?”
“Count on it.”
The bell jingles as I push through the door, and Karina’s head snaps up. Her eyes widen, then narrow as she takes in my appearance.
“Well, well, well,” she drawls, abandoning the coffee pot to plant herself in front of me. “Look what the cat dragged in.”
“Good morning to you too,” I say, slipping past her to grab my apron from the hook.
“Oh no you don’t.” She blocks my path, arms crossed. “You don’t get to waltz in here glowing like a Christmas tree,” she glances at her wristwatch, “late for the first time in forever without giving me details.”
I tie the apron strings around my waist, trying to look busy. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Bullshit.” She points at my chest. “You’re not wearing your crystals.” Then she leans in, lowering her voice, but not quiet enough, as the nearby people suddenly raise their brows. “You totally got laid.”
Heat rushes to my face. “Karina!”
“What? It’s written all over you. And him.” She nods toward the window where Jericho’s truck is just pulling away. “I was watching you through the window.”
“Peeper much?” I say.
“My life is boring, let me live through you.” She waves me off. “The man looked like he just won the lottery.”
I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “Maybe he did.”
“Oh my God.” She clutches her chest dramatically. “Who are you and what have you done with my friend?”
“Shut up,” I laugh, grabbing the coffee pot from the counter. “Don’t we have customers to serve?”
“They can wait. This is far more interesting.”
Roman emerges from the kitchen, spatula in hand. “Why isn’t anyone taking orders?” His eyes land on me, and his face softens into a smile. “There she is. You look happy today, kid.”
“That’s because—” Karina starts, but I cut her off with a sharp elbow to the ribs.
“Because it’s a beautiful morning,” I finish, giving Roman my most innocent smile.
He looks between us, brows furrowed. “Something I should know?”
“Nope,” I say, just as Karina blurts, “Nora’s dating the hot contractor next door.”
Roman’s eyebrows shoot up. “Is that right?”
I sigh, defeated. “We’re… figuring things out.”
A slow smile spreads across his weathered face. “Good for you. He seems solid.”
“Speaking of solid,” Karina mutters under her breath, earning another elbow from me.
Roman’s face turns serious as he turns back toward the kitchen. “Just make sure he treats you right, or he’ll answer to me,” he calls over his shoulder.
“Yes, Dad,” I tease, but his protectiveness warms my heart.
As soon as Roman disappears, Karina pounces again. “Okay, now spill. And don’t leave out the juicy parts.”
I grab a pot of fresh coffee and start refilling cups at the counter. “There’s nothing to spill.”
